<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Both tags feature super loud 360-degree omnidirectional buzzers Both finder tags are super tough and built to last The tags have features you don’t see on AirTags, such as wireless charging and glow-in-the-dark inserts. –> Over at Rolling Square’s website, the AirCard Pro Bundle<!–>, which comes with two trackers, is on […] More
Bill Oxford/Getty Images Agentic AI may offer compelling productivity benefits, but it still falls flat when it comes to the heavy lifting of day-to-day operations and technology development. Still, technology leaders and proponents see great advantage in putting agents to work in many key areas of their businesses. At the end of last year, Carnegie-Mellon […] More
James Gosling Bromberger Hoover Photography/Getty Images Some programming languages, such as Rust, Go, or TypeScript, are cool. Others, including Cobol and Java, are regarded as dull. However, while Java, which turned 30 on May 23, may not be the most exciting language, it remains one of the most important languages in use today. First released […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s Yoga 7i 2-in-1 is on sale for $1,200 at Best Buy. Its solid performance, comfortable keyboard, and long-lasting battery make it an excellent machine for the office. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of the display. more buying choices Lenovo’s new Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16–> doesn’t aim to dazzle you with flashy […] More
Getty Images The last time I booked a vacation flight, I literally spent over an hour finding the cheapest ticket to Hawaii with two criteria in mind: that it wasn’t a red-eye flight, and it only had one layover. At least one layover was to be expected (at LAX) because Kentucky is a long way […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nerdytec Couchmaster Cyworx is an ergonomic lap desk for WFH employees or gamers for $150. It features an oversized mouse pad, a ventilation grill for laptop cooling, wrist pads, and more. The setup may be too cumbersome for smaller couches and isn’t ideal for travel. more buying choices I recently […] More
Maria Diaz/ZDNETHave you ever found yourself in a thermostat tug-of-war? One room feels like a sauna, another like an icebox, all while your trusty thermostat claims your home is at a perfectly average and comfortable 72 degrees?The truth is, you’re probably not imagining things, and the culprit could be hanging right there on your wall. As it turns out, where your thermostat is located can make a world of difference to both your comfort and your energy bills.Also: The best smart home devices of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedChances are, your thermostat is not located in the sweet spot for accurate whole-home temperature readings. In a way, your thermostat is the brain of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It senses the air temperature and tells your system when to kick on and when to take a break. But what if it’s getting a skewed version of reality? According to experts, this is a common scenario, and it’s likely costing you money. Here are some tips for where to avoid installing your thermostat, and the best places to do it instead. More
While GFCI outlets offer reliable protection compared with standard outlets, they aren’t meant for every type of electrical device. Some items should never be plugged into a GFCI, as they could malfunction or trip the circuit unnecessarily, leading to power disruptions or unsafe situations. Below is a list of devices not suited for GFCIs.1. Devices with a “high inrush” currentAppliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioner units, and power tools require a serious initial burst of electricity when powered on. Yes, even though refrigerators are almost always located in kitchens, the counterintuitive truth is that they can cause the GFCI to trip because of the large initial surge of current, even if there is no actual fault. This is known as “nuisance tripping,” and it is aptly named. Don’t risk spoiling a fridge full of foods by plugging it into a GFCI.2. Outdoor equipmentSimilarly, outdoor equipment such as electric lawnmowers or pressure washers should ideally be plugged into a dedicated outdoor outlet. While GFCIs are designed for outdoor use to reduce shock hazards, high-powered equipment can cause the GFCI to trip if it draws too much current at one time. Also: The best portable power stations of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed3. High-powered appliancesAppliances that use significant power, such as space heaters, microwave ovens, or vacuum cleaners, can cause a GFCI outlet to trip, especially if they are used on a circuit with high loads. These appliances could create a situation where the GFCI trips frequently (more nuisance tripping).4. Surge protectors or power stripsSome power strips and surge protectors, particularly those with multiple plugs for high-powered devices, could cause the GFCI outlet to trip due to the combined electrical load. A sudden power surge or imbalance could cause the GFCI to trip unexpectedly, defeating the GFCI outlet’s purpose and causing repeated circuit tripping.Also: How I used this portable power station to bring electricity to a caveman5. Medical equipmentMedical equipment like CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators require continuous, uninterrupted power, so we advise plugging these vital devices into conventional outlets, not GFCIs. Some medical devices have sensitive circuitry, and the GFCI may trip unnecessarily, causing a loss of power to life-sustaining equipment.Bonus. Sump pumpsWhile the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifically mandates that new construction includes GFCIs in basements, there is another ironic exclusion among the list: sump pumps. Sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding, but if the GFCI trips and cuts off its power, your basement might end up under several inches of water. More
